BEER BREAKS
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
BEER BREAKS Magazine of the Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
FPleREE ase tak e
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
a copy
I N S I E T H I S I SD SUE
PUB OF TH E
SEASON The No Na me is the 2 012 W inter W in ner
PUB COs
A reasoned argument
@BoltonCAMRA
www.boltoncamra.org.uk www.boltoncamra.org.uk Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 1
Plus Much More... Issue 3 | March - May 2013
1
05/03/2013 10:18
BEER BREAKS
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
VICTORIA & ALBERT Offering a unique sophisticated and warm atmosphere, you will be guaranteed a great time at the Victoria & Albert.
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 4pm -11pm Friday 4pm - 12am Saturday 12pm - 12am
@vicandalberthwh Tel: 01204 770837 E-mail: thevictoriaandalbert@hotmail.co.uk
Sunday 12pm - 11pm
114 Lee Lane, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 7AF
www.vicandalbert.co.uk
Bolton CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year 2012
Bolton CAMRA 114of Leethe Lane,Year Horwich, Bolton, BL6 7AF Pub 2011 With a modern approach to a traditional pub, Bank Top Brewery Tap offers a full range of Bank Top ales across 9 hand pumps with a variety of guest beers on rotation. We also have a dedicated real cider hand pump and a wide variety of bottled Belgium and World beers. Come and join us in a great all round experience for the discerning drinker 68-70 BELMONT ROAD, ASTLEY BRIDGE, BOLTON, BL1 7AN Tel: 01204 302837 Email: banktopbrewerytap@gmail.com
22
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 2
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
05/03/2013 10:18
BEER BREAKS
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
The House Without A Name Winter Pub of the Season 2012
T
he House Without a Name is a small pub in the village of Bradshaw, to the north of Bolton. It is the only pub with that name in the entire country, and the origins of its name are a little unclear. In 1832 two cottages were knocked together to form a brew house and the publican at the time needed a license. At the licensing hearing the judge asked him what the name would be and whether too drunk or just forgetful, he said he didn’t have a name. From then onwards it became the House without a Name, although to those in the area it is known universally as The No Name. The pub changed hands when Jon & Beth Nolan took over in March 2012, with plans to improve the pub, having spent 12 years in the trade in Bolton Centre. When they were granted the lease in August they started a full refurbishment programme reopening late September. The refurbishment went down well with locals and newcomers alike, with the general consensus being that the refurbishment was very well done and little of the original character was lost. Jon said that the refurbishment increased the customer base and in response started theme nights throughout the week, with live music Sunday & Thursday, a quiz night Monday and a poker league on Tuesday. There are unobtrusive televisions which regularly show major sports events, particularly football. A wine list is available, which Jon has specified with knowledge gained from his time in the industry and there is a small selection of food always available. Throughout all of the changes, one thing has remained consistent - the quality of the ales on offer is excellent. There are six hand pumps on the bar www.boltoncamra.org.uk
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 3
Cliff Burgess presents Jon and Beth with the certificate
and these are rotated regularly. Three of the pumps are tied to Punch Taverns, whereas the other three are left to the choice of Jon & Beth. Robinsons Unicorn is generally on, there was a good variety of Christmas ales available and a short while ago, there was even (whisper it!) a cask lager available. The Lancaster 1842 Pilsner went down very well! The dearth of pubs like the No Name is a loss to many communities and Jon & Beth have worked hard to create a proper pub for the Bradshaw area. Traditional beams, flag flooring, the restored open fire giving the house a warm, cosy atmosphere and welcome along with the good range of well kept ales, all meant that CAMRA members had no hesitation in awarding the No Name the Winter pub of the Season 2012. www.housewithoutaname.co.uk @HouseWithNoName
Ales on the bar on presentation night
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
3
05/03/2013 10:18
BEER BREAKS Branch Contacts Chairman Cliff Burgess Treasurer Don Chattwood Media & Publicity Officer Jez Wadd T: 07917 220622 E: editor@boltoncamra.org.uk Branch Secretary Graham Walsh T: 07855 361228 Email: enquiries@boltoncamra.org.uk Web: www.boltoncamra.org.uk Twitter: @BoltonCAMRA The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions for publication. All editorial copyright © Bolton CAMRA 2013. Disclaimer: The views expressed in articles are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily the views of the Bolton Branch, The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. Bolton CAMRA accepts no liability in relation to the accuracy of advertisements; readers must rely on their own enquiries. It should also be noted that acceptance of an advertisement in this publication should not be deemed an endorsement of quality by Bolton CAMRA.
Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St. Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW t: 01727 867 201 e: camra@camra.org.uk www.camra.org.uk
PUBLISHED BY Capital Media Group 2 Halifax Court, Fernwood Business Park Cross Lane, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 3JP t: 01636 302 302 e: beerbreaks@thisiscapital.com www.thisiscapital.com © 2013 Capital Media Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be transmitted, reproduced, recorded, photocopied or otherwise without the express written permission of the copyright holder.
44
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 4
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Chairman’s Letter Hello All!
W
elcome to our first hard copy of Bolton Beer Breaks. It’s looking like 2013 is going to be a very important and exciting one for our branch, what with our new magazine and the rebirth of THE BOLTON CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL in April, its all hands to the pumps for our small team of active members. The branch has grown to 586 members as of January 15th, a yearly increase of 43% which is absolutely amazing, but with only a dozen or so active members it makes the organising of the magazine and beer festival hard work for the 3% who get involved. Yes we need all the help we can get from all our branch members and friends from other branches to deliver a quality beer festival. Congratulations go to all our award winners this year the 2012 pub of the year The Victoria and Albert and our seasonal winners The Kings Arms, The Brewery Tap, The Bowling Green and The House Without A Name, 5 quality houses. Finally, if you are a CAMRA member and would like to volunteer to help at the beer festival, please contact our staffing officer Gill Smart, via the website and register now.
Cheers, Cliff Burgess Bolton Branch Chairman
REACH 6000+ REAL ALE DRINKERS & PUBGOERS Full Page: £225 +vat Half Page: £125 +vat Quarter Page: £65 +vat
Book all four editions & receive a 10% discount Free Design
To book call Capital Media on 01636 302 302 www.boltoncamra.org.uk
05/03/2013 10:19
BEER BREAKS Hornbeam Brewery is an award winning Manchester based, craft micro-brewery producing distinctive high quality beers, full of flavour and character. We deliver throughout the Northwest and have a superb range of core beers and regularly changing monthly beers.
2OF5F % FIRSTER ORD
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
the
BOWLING GREEN
Award Winning cask Ales Home Bars A favourite at the bar!
serving great quality real ale Live Music Every Weekend Open 12 til 12 Everyday
Hornbeam Brewery, Unit 1-1C Grey Street, Denton M34 3RU tel: 0161 320 5627 • mobile: 07984 44 33 83 email: kevin@hornbeambrewery.com
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 5
01204 413 449 175 Lea Lane • Horwich • BL6 7JD
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
5
05/03/2013 10:19
BEER BREAKS
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Blackedge Brewery A brief history
B
lackedge Brewery was established in 2011 and is based in Horwich, near Bolton in an old Engine House of a textile company. The 4 barrel brewery was started by 2 friends, Wayne Roper and Shaun Reynolds and only recently started to operate on a full time basis having previously been more of a weekend set up. The brewery equipment itself is very traditional with no real technology so the ale brewed is truly hand crafted. The brewers source only natural ingredients and use no extracts or pellets and the yeasts used are specific to the beer type they produce. The brewery has had a successful start and having picked up a local Gold award at the Edgworth beer festival in 2011, their ‘Speciality Beer’, Black Port, more recently won the Regional Gold Award at the SIBA North Beer Festival in Manchester in October 2012. There is a planned expansion of the brewery early in 2013 which involves a move to a larger unit on the same site and investment in additional equipment to meet the increasing demand. Having originally brewed just 2 beers, HoP pale ale and Pike pale ale, Blackedge now produce a core range of 7 permanent beers and a range of occasional monthly specials based on particular hops from around the globe named as ‘World Hop Series’ beers: HoP Pale Ale 3.8% (OG 1.040) - Generously hopped with Challenger & first Gold to give a clean, dry, refreshing & hoppy citrus, floral flavoured session beer. Pike Pale Ale 4.0% (OG 1.041) - Generous additions of Challenger, Cascade & Pioneer hops. A pale ale with plenty of sweet citrus hop aroma. Blonde Ale 4.5% (OG 1.046) - Full flavoured, full bodied blonde ale, well hopped to give clean, crisp fruit like flavour and aroma.
66
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 6
American Pale Ale 4.2% (OG 1.044) - A light and hoppy beer made using US Columbus, Willamette, Amarillo, Cascade and Summit hops. Intense citrus aromas. IPA 4.7% (OG 1.047) - Generously hopped with US Willamette, Cascade, Columbus, Summit & Amarillo hops. Full bodied, full flavoured and well balanced, hoppy and intensely citrus with grapefruit aroma. Black Stout 4.0% (OG 1.045) - A velvety stout with intense roasted barley flavours and rich undertones of chocolate and coffee with liquorice finish. Black Port Stout Porter 4.9% (OG 1.045) Deliciously complex, roasted coffee and chocolate flavours with a hint of liquorice and sweet port finish. www.blackedgebrewery.co.uk
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
05/03/2013 10:19
BEER BREAKS
Campaign Corner PubCos
A
round 50% of pubs in the UK are owned by Pub Companies, property companies who lease pubs out to tenants to run as their own business. Around two-thirds of pubs that close are tied to these Pub Companies. PubCos, as they are colloquially known, usually impose a Beer Tie so that tenants are contractually obliged to buy their beer only from a limited list provided by the Pubco. The tied model is one that has served some pubs well over many years and can providing security for pubs and breweries. But many larger PubCos have abused it. The average cost of a keg of draught beer purchased through a PubCo is 50% more than one bought on the open market. These prices are inevitably passed on to the customer. Alongside this, PubCo licensees generally find themselves paying above market value rents. Although there are many great pubs tied to PubCos, even popular, well-run ones with healthy turnover suffer as profits are gradually sucked away from the core business of the pub itself. It’s no wonder that many PubCo tenants throw in the towel. Despite working long hours, nearly half end up earning less than £15,000 a year. CAMRA has been campaigning for many years for a rebalance to the current unfair relationship between the PubCos and their licensees, including an option for lessees to become free of tie. A major and fundamental first step in the reform was achieved in January when, long after CAMRA’s call an independent assessor to be established, the Government announced “a new statutory Code” to look at the relationship between large pub companies and publicans, which will be enforced by the Adjudicator. This new Code will ensure fair practices for a number of issues including rents and the prices publicans pay for beer. It would also have the power to investigate and deal with disputes between pub companies and publicans, and in some cases have the power to fine. In particular, the proposed Code would prevent abuses of the beer tie...It would enshrine the fundamental www.boltoncamra.org.uk
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 7
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale principle that ‘a tied licensee should be no worse off than a free-of-tie-licensee’ which will ensure a level playing field is maintained in the pub sector...The formal consultation on these proposed measures will be launched in the spring.¹ The Statutory Code is likely to affect the six biggest PubCos - Enterprise Inns, Punch Taverns, Star Pubs & Bars, Greene King, Marstons and Admiral Taverns. Following CAMRA advice and subject to consultation, the government has exempted smaller companies who own less than 500 pubs, often family brewers with their own pub estates. Research suggests that these have been following the existing Voluntary code, although it is one area that will clearly need to be monitored. The introduction of a Statutory Code and in particular the principle that tied licensees should be no worse off, which should apply to rents, is something that has been achieved through a long campaign led by CAMRA. Many thousands of members wrote to their MPs, forcing a parliamentary debate on the issue. During the recent debate in January, MPs from all parties praised CAMRA in the House of Commons for its continued campaign over many years. And CAMRA will continue the Campaign, providing further input to the consultation and ensuring that the new system is working. Keep track of it at www.camra.org.uk/beertie. But for now, this is a change we should all celebrate with a quality beer down the local pub. Free or tied. ¹ www.gov.uk/government/news/press-release-newproposals-to-stand-up-for-british-pubs-and-preventunfair-practices
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
7
05/03/2013 10:19
BEER BREAKS
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Belfast Beer John Corcoran enjoys a short break in Belfast
M
y wife Christine and I started our trip with a flight from Liverpool airport which boasts two Wetherspoons outlets after security. The Argosy is the larger one with George Wrights Longboat priced at £3.10 and Abbot at £3.45 for a pint. The smaller Wetherspoons Express had George Wrights Golden Moment at £3.10. These beers were all sampled and pronounced to be very good. Unfortunately CAMRA vouchers are not accepted at either pub; only a snack menu is available. These prices appear to be high for Wetherspoons, but I suppose that they are fairly reasonable for the airside of an airport. On reaching Belfast we made the Bridge House on Bedford Street our main eating place. This is one of eight Wetherspoons in the province and in addition to interesting UK beers, starting at £1.95 per pint; there were beers from Hilden, in particular Scullions Irish Ale which was excellent. As in most pubs the 2012 European Football Championships were usually being shown on the TV. At one side of the screen was the flag of St. George, whilst at the other side of the screen was the flag of the Irish republic. Only a few years ago this would have been unimaginable.
88
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 8
Later we visited the Crown Liquor Saloon on Great Victoria Street. This is perhaps Ireland’s most famous pub being ornate and unspoilt externally and internally. The pub was full of tourists (us included!) and one of them tried to pinch my beer which was Belfast Ale from the Whitewater Brewery. It was in good condition, but was not as good as some of the other ales tried on our trip. A more relaxed atmosphere was found in the pub next door, named Robinsons. This is also a splendid venue, with many interesting Titanic artefacts. Unfortunately no real ale is sold, but there is a Bolton connection; one of the exhibits is a watch presented by three Titanic survivors to their rescuer, Captain Arthur Rostron, captain of the Carpathia who originated in the town. Also adjacent to the Crown is what used to be called the Beaten Docket. This was a former Good Beer Guide entry and rather disappointingly has now been rebuilt as Brennans bar with no real ale sold. The next day we made our way to Bangor by way of the North Downs Coastal Path – highly recommended – and the local train. There are six pubs on Bangor high street, two of which are Coyle’s bars, but only one pub sells real ales. This pub is called Jenny Watts, and is highly
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
05/03/2013 10:20
BEER BREAKS recommended, with ale available when we were there being Whitewater Crown and Glory. Sitting in the parlour bar was like sitting in someone’s front room. The service was friendly, whilst the food and ale were both very good. On our way back to Belfast we alighted the train at Holywood and visited the Dirty Duck ale house very close to the station. This is Rory McIlroy’s local but he was not in, apparently playing golf somewhere. Three ales were on offer; Tom Woods Imperial Stout, Scullions Irish Ale and College Green Headless Dog. The stout in particular was very good. On returning to Belfast, by train we called in at the Botanic Inn, close to Botanic station and adjacent to Queens university. This large student’s pub sells Whitewater Belfast Ale, which we found to be adequate. Back in the city centre there were a few more pubs to explore. The Kitchen Bar is an old established Good Beer Guide entry, but the original pub was demolished a few years ago and has been relocated to Victoria Square shopping centre. The one hand pump dispensed Whitewater Crown and Glory, which we both agreed was the best ale of our trip. It is a pale and hoppy beer which was quite exceptional. On nearby Chichester Street is a fine pub, The Garrick. Although no real ales are served, it is worth a visit to sample 50 beers from around the world (although all 50 in one visit may be a little excessive!). A short walk away near the imposing Albert Clock Tower is one of Belfast’s oldest pubs, McHughs. The real ale on offer was Belfast Ale and when we were there traditional music competed with the Euro 2012 football. Our final visit was to the John Hewitt, near St. Anne’s Cathedral, which is unusual in so far as it is run by the Unemployed Resource Centre. All profits are used to help fund the centre, which seems more ethical than supporting a PubCo. The pub was busy, hosting one of its regular charity quiz nights. The ale on offer was a very good Hilden Ale and there was also a good selection of Belgian bottled beers. In conclusion, the real ale scene in Belfast seems reasonably healthy, although, Wetherspoons apart, prices are quite high. Expect to pay around £3.60 for a pint of real ale in friendly pubs, with lots of character. Some pubs advertised “Mis-Strength” Guinness at 2.8%, with even this selling at £3.40 a pint. We declined to try any!
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 9
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Ye Olde Man & Scythe Inn 12th Century Tavern
First pint served in the 11th Century, still serving today!
One of the oldest pubs in Brit ain the earliest recorded date is 1251
Wide Range of Cask Ales & Ciders
Known as The Cider House by many, we’ve been awarded ‘Cider pub of the year for Bolton’ by CAMRA for the last 2 years and ‘Cider pub of the year for Greater Manchester area 2011’
Live Music every Friday & Saturday night
plus Jam Night (twice a month, on the first & third Wednesday) 6 TO 8 CHURCHGATE, BOLTON, BL1 1HL t: 01204 559060 | www.manandscythe.co.uk
Issue 3 | March - May 2013
9
05/03/2013 10:20
BEER BREAKS
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Good Beer Guide 2013
J
C o A w C
40th Anniversary
Y
his year marks the 40th anniversary of the UK’s best-selling and most comprehensive guide to beer and pubs. CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide lists over 4,500 pubs across the country which CAMRA members see as the best for real ale. Each pub gets a full review with a list of facilities, opening hours and regular beers so you can easily see if it’s the one for you. There are 14 entries from the Bolton Branch area in the Guide, some of these are long standing favourites, others are new pubs on the block. All are places where you can get a pint served to the best standards, year-round. Every Branch takes a vote on which places deserve a place in
F
T
10 10 Issue 3 | March - May 2013 Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 10
T
D
A Branch members launch the Good Beer Guide 2013 with landlord Dennis at the Finishers Arms, one of this year’s new entries.
the Guide, based on surveys throughout the year. Any member of the local Branch can put forward nominations and take part in the surveys and voting. So the entries are not the views of the Good Beer Guide Editor or of the local Branch Chair, but of whole Branches and their members. The Guide also lists each of the Breweries in the UK producing real ale. This year has a record number, topping the 1000 mark for the first time. The Breweries range from Global giants, through National brewers such as Marston’s and Greene King to the huge number of small independent brewers such as Bolton’s own Blackedge, Dunscar Bridge and Bank Top. For each brewery there are contact details, a short description and a list of regular beers often with tasting notes. To top it all there are some excellent features on brewing and beer styles and a look back over the last 40 years. If that’s not enough, you can even download the e-book version or get an app for your phone which will lead you straight to the door of each of the pubs. If you haven’t got a copy then buy it from the local Branch or from the CAMRA website at www.camra. org.uk/gbg. Or ask your bookshop to get it for you.
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
05/03/2013 10:20
_
_
E
T
P
T
F
D
Nam
To th
Addr
Nam
Bran
Bank
Refe
BEER BREAKS
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
Join CAMRA Today
Complete the Direct Debit form and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription. Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd. with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.
Your Details
Direct Debit
Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________ Forename(s) _________________________________________________ Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ____________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _______________________ Postcode __________________________ Email address _______________________________________________ Tel No(s) ____________________________________________________
Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Title ____________ Surname ___________________________________ Forename(s) _________________________________________________
Single Membership (UK & EU)
£23
Joint Membership £28 (Partner at the same address)
Non DD
£25 £30
For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201. I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. I enclose a cheque for _________________ Signed ______________________________ Date ________________________________ Applications will be processed within 21 days
Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) ____________________________________
Campaigning for Pub Goers & Beer Drinkers
Enjoying Real Ale & Pubs
Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.
Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: Campaign for Real Ale Ltd., 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts, AL1 4LW Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society To the Manager
Bank or Building Society
The Direct Debit Guarantee
Service User Number
9 2 6 1 2 9 FOR CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALES LTD. OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Address
This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society.
• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.
Membership Number Name Postcode
Postcode
• If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.
Name(s) of Account Holder
Instructions to your Bank or Building Society
Branch Sort Code
Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.
Bank or Building Society Account Number
Reference
Signature Date
Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 11
• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits.
• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society. - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd. asks you to. • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
Issue 3 | March - May 2013 11
05/03/2013 10:20
BEER BREAKS
12 12 Issue 3 | March - May 2013 Beer Breaks - Issue3.indd 12
Bolton Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
www.boltoncamra.org.uk
05/03/2013 10:20